My Golden Core is a Star, do you call this cultivating?

Chapter 336: Qi Yuan: Will You Be My Bodyguard?

In the end, the Canary still wore the school uniform.

However, when Qi Yuan took her to school, she glared at him, "No one else is wearing this, it's completely useless!"

She looked quite cute in that moment.

Qi Yuan patted the Canary's hair and said dotingly, "It might come in handy occasionally."

Indeed, when a person is petite, even when they're angry, they look adorable to others.

The Canary's face blushed instantly, "I'm off to school now!"

She ran off quickly.

Qi Yuan watched her back, the doting look in his eyes not fading at all.

It wasn't until her figure completely disappeared from his sight that Qi Yuan prepared to go home and practice martial arts.

A message appeared on his phone screen from the Canary: "I won't be wearing the school uniform at night!"

Qi Yuan chuckled at the message on the phone screen, "Work hard and try to get into a Ph.D. program."

After sending the message, Qi Yuan turned around to leave.

But suddenly, a hand grabbed his arm tightly. The Canary, who was supposed to be heading to school, had somehow appeared in front of him. She looked up at Qi Yuan with a pitiful expression, "Qi Yuan, I... don't want to go to school."

She clung to his arm tightly, as if afraid that if she let go, Qi Yuan would disappear.

Right now, the Canary was like a little cat without a sense of security, clinging to him closely.

"As expected, nobody likes going to school. Only after graduating and working might one look back fondly on school days," Qi Yuan sighed softly.

Of course, it’s more about missing certain people from school days.

However, for Qi Yuan, those people weren't much different from NPCs in this world.

The Canary looked at Qi Yuan with pitiful eyes, "Can I make a puppet to go to school instead of me?"

"Sure." Qi Yuan extended his hand and gently held the Canary's cold, small hand in his palm.

When he played games and went to unfamiliar maps, Xiao Jia would accompany him.

The Canary, after leaving Nine Plate Mountain and Liufeng Realm, only had him as a close person.

"Great!" The Canary happily leaped up, a smile spreading across her face, "Quick, bend down, I'll reward you with a kiss!"

"Why don’t you stand on your tiptoes?" Qi Yuan said dotingly, but he still lowered his head.

A gentle breeze came, like a cool night wind.

Qi Yuan picked up the Canary, and the two disappeared into the crowd.

At the school gate, some voices could be heard.

"Am I seeing things? I could have sworn there was a really good-looking couple just now, one of them was wearing a school uniform."

"I saw them too and was about to take a picture, but now they're gone."

"Maybe you two have been indulging too much and your eyes are blurry?"

...

In the Yellow Springs World, within the stronghold.

Qi Yuan scanned the stone chamber, curiosity in his eyes.

During these days, he had been diligently practicing, either in martial arts or immortal cultivation.

For him, progress was quite ordinary.

In between his practice, he also accompanied the Canary and Xiao Jia, laying on the earth as their bed, with the sky as their blanket, traveling across mountains and rivers.

Occasionally, he would pretend to be a college student and attend university classes with the Canary.

After all, he couldn’t just let a puppet attend all the classes and earn the credits.

Finally, after several months, the mission in the Yellow Springs World finally arrived.

While staying in the stone chamber, Qi Yuan suddenly struck out, a flash of red and yellow light hitting the stone table.

With this strike, Qi Yuan used the ordinary strength of a golden core.

But even with that strike, the stone table remained completely unmoved.

"As expected, I'm still too weak to damage this stone table," Qi Yuan noted and stopped trying, instead stepping out of his room.

The stronghold looked the same as ever, occasionally with some humans drifting around.

On the bamboo tower, men and women dressed in various revealing outfits swayed their bodies, teasing the passersby.

Qi Yuan glanced over, calm and indifferent.

Not far away, An Qiao approached, holding a tracking dog, joy evident in her expression. "I didn’t expect we’d be doing this mission together."

An Qiao was naturally pleased, as missions had a high mortality rate.

Qi Yuan, who could kill a Jade Blood Realm demon, was considered a strong presence in this stronghold.

"This mission involves others too. Where are they?" Qi Yuan asked.

The mission prompt indicated that this was a group mission, with over twenty participants.

"They should be from other strongholds. We’ll meet them at the mission location," An Qiao answered truthfully, then continued, "Mr. Qi, we need to stay vigilant against people from other strongholds!"

In executing the mission, they would cooperate to complete it and earn rewards.

But human nature is unpredictable. Besides the mission rewards, for those participating, other participants were also a prize.

"When we enter the game, will we replace other NPCs?"

Qi Yuan asked.

Last time, he had replaced a gambling butcher.

As a result, he encountered a child bride with a rare marriage saint constitution.

"The first time you enter, you will replace someone, but later on... you’ll enter as a member of the Demon Subduing Division!" An Qiao carefully explained.

"Interesting. Does that mean the Demon Subduing Division... is an official organization that spans across multiple worlds?" Qi Yuan muttered.

"Mr. Qi, if you're ready, shall we start the mission?" An Qiao asked.

She wanted to complete the mission quickly.

"Wait a moment, I’m going to pick up some stuff." Qi Yuan said, squatting down to pick up some dirt, grass, and stones from the ground, placing them into his Qi and Blood Space.

Seeing this, An Qiao looked puzzled, "Why are you picking those up?"

"For my wife to study. She’s about to be a Ph.D., she might figure out how to get in and out of here. That way, she can accompany me on missions in this world." Qi Yuan didn’t hide anything.

The stones and dirt he picked up here would be given to the Canary for research.

Hearing Qi Yuan’s words, An Qiao couldn't help but want to laugh.

"Everyone fears the Yellow Springs World like it's a demon, yet you want your wife to come here with you."

"Being separated for so long, I just want to stay together," Qi Yuan said casually, picking up sticks from the ground.

An Qiao's eyes flashed with envy, "I hope your wife can figure out how to get in and out of the Yellow Springs World soon."

Of course, An Qiao didn't believe Qi Yuan’s wife could figure it out.

The Yellow Springs World was incredibly bizarre.

For so many years, countless talented people had emerged from the Yellow Springs World, encompassing all the elites from Gongxing for over ten thousand years.

Yet, no one could find a way in or out.

Their entry and exit were entirely at the discretion of the Yellow Springs World.

"Hmm." Qi Yuan nodded.

With the Canary’s abilities, and his eyes that could see hidden information, he still had some confidence in studying the Yellow Springs World.

After about a dozen breaths, Qi Yuan had collected a lot of samples, all placed into the Qi and Blood Space.

"Alright, we can proceed with the mission now."

"Okay." An Qiao replied.

The two arrived at the center of the stronghold, where there was a stone mill platform over a hundred square meters.

Once they stepped on it, they would receive the mission prompt and enter the mission.

Without hesitation, Qi Yuan stepped onto the stone mill platform.

Immediately, the space began to spin.

This spin seemed timeless, completed in an instant.

Qi Yuan quickly listened carefully, trying to hear something.

Perhaps the time was too short; he heard nothing.

When he realized it, he suddenly found himself in a dimly glowing space.

This space seemed to be in the air.

At this moment, he and An Qiao were like they were stepping on clouds.

The game prompt also rang in Qi Yuan's ear at this moment.

[The Feng Yuan Kingdom governs the world with filial piety, established thirty years ago. The north is in turmoil, demons rampage, and humans are their food.
The noble families in the north are suffering and are migrating south.
Zhenyang City is located in the north, trapped by demons.
The Tong family has had seven generations of single heirs. In March, the demons launched a massive attack on the city, causing heavy casualties. The only grandson of the Tong family, Tong Tianyou, was captured by demons.
Mission: Find Tong Tianyou and investigate the cause of death of his father, Tong Youwei.
Reward: Ancestral Reversion Pill.]

"It's actually an Ancestral Reversion Pill!" An Qiao couldn’t help but exclaim, clearly recognizing the value of the mission reward.

"Oh, is this pill very powerful?" Qi Yuan asked while glancing around this space.

There were about a dozen people nearby, all blood warriors exuding a not insignificant aura.

However, most were at the Qi and Blood stage, with only a few at the Jade Blood stage.

These people were also participants in the mission with them.

Before An Qiao could answer, a bald man spoke up, "The strength of us blood warriors depends on the concentration of our bloodline.
The stronger the ancestor’s bloodline, the higher our bloodline concentration, and the stronger our talent and potential.
The Ancestral Reversion Pill allows us to glimpse a strand of our ancestor’s true intent and thus enhance our bloodline concentration."

Seeing the bald man, An Qiao’s eyes showed caution.

She continued, "The higher one’s bloodline talent, the greater the effect of the Ancestral Reversion Pill.
Conversely, if one’s bloodline talent is very low, the Ancestral Reversion Pill might not even be as effective as a simple Body Refining Blood Pill."

The bald man looked at the two and continued, "If you complete the mission alive, I would be willing to purchase your Ancestral Reversion Pills at a high price."

"No need, the Ancestral Reversion Pill is also of great use to us." An Qiao quickly refused.

The bald man smiled and then looked at Qi Yuan with interest, "I heard that Brother Chen Fan died in the last mission, and his belongings... were taken by a newcomer named Qi Yuan.
Could that be you?"

There were special ways to communicate within the stronghold.

It was even said that if one was strong enough, they could cross the Sea of Fog to other strongholds.

"Oh, what of it?" Qi Yuan looked at the bald man, who resembled a boiled egg.

"Would you consider transferring the Genius Alliance entry token to me?
If you do, I will ensure your safety during this mission!" The bald man said earnestly.

He had always wanted to join the Genius Alliance, but his talent had not caught their attention.

If he could obtain the entry token, he could join this powerful organization.

He could then leave this backwater and move to a larger stronghold, without worrying about being swallowed by the sea beasts.

"Protect me? Your strength... doesn't seem that great." Qi Yuan said disdainfully.

He didn’t care for the Genius Alliance entry token, but he wouldn’t give it away easily either.

He didn’t trust this man’s promise to protect him.

"I am at the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm, just one step away from the late stage. Protecting you would be no problem." The bald man asserted confidently.

At that moment, a menacing voice came.

"Yang Guang, I want that Genius Alliance entry token!" A big-bearded man walked over, his body reeking of blood.

Seeing the bearded man, the men and women present all showed a change in expression.

"Blood Demon Hand Zhou Yuan!"

"It’s him; he's in our team."

"We’re done for. I heard he often attacks his companions!" Seeing Zhou Yuan, everyone looked fearful, instinctively stepping back to distance themselves from him.

Bald Yang Guang’s eyes showed caution, "Zhou Yuan, business should be done in order, and this young man hasn’t decided to trade with me yet. If you want to trade, you can offer a higher price, and we can compete."

Zhou Yuan’s eyes flashed with disdain, "He’s not worthy of trading with me. If not for you... I would have already taken it by force."

With this statement, everyone witnessed Zhou Yuan’s domineering nature.

However, Zhou Yuan was indeed qualified to be domineering.

His strength was the highest among those present, at the late Jade Blood Realm.

Beside him, Qi Yuan smiled, "Yang Guang, didn’t you want to be my bodyguard? Start by driving Zhou Yuan away, and I’ll see if you have the qualifications to protect me."

When entering the game world, completing tasks was necessary, but so was meeting the substitute for his "white moonlight."

Having an extra helper would be beneficial.

As for the Genius Alliance token, it was fine to trade it.

The only regret was not giving Luo Bufan a benefit.

In the real world, Luo Bufan’s family didn’t continue its legacy either.

Hearing Qi Yuan’s words, Yang Guang was delighted, and a strong aura emanated from him, "Zhou Yuan, this young man is now under my protection. I suggest you leave, or else..."

Zhou Yuan grinned and licked his lips, "Heh heh, I’ll leave right now."

After speaking, Zhou Yuan walked away directly.

An Qiao, seeing this, was stunned, "Is this guy sick or what?"

Yang Guang quickly raised his hands and said, "He’s not my accomplice. Zhou Yuan’s personality has always been like this. He is suspected of having a major illness!"

He was afraid Qi Yuan would misunderstand and think he and Zhou Yuan were in cahoots.

"He indeed has a major illness, mentally unstable," Qi Yuan’s eyes flashed with a strange light.

[Zhou Yuan, late Jade Blood Realm martial artist, has consumed too many Ancestral Reversion Pills. His bloodline is heavily influenced by his ancestor, resulting in a dramatic change in personality and erratic behavior.]

"It’s a pity Doctor Zhong Miao isn’t here; she could issue him a mental illness certificate," Qi Yuan muttered, then asked Yang Guang, "If you take too many Ancestral Reversion Pills, will you be influenced by your ancestor?"

"Generally, no," Yang Guang replied, but then he remembered something, and said seriously, "But in rare cases, yes. Some bloodlines see their descendants as resources.
If that happens, you’d need a blood transfusion to change your fate."

"I see." Qi Yuan said softly.

Honestly, he now wanted to see who his bloodline ancestor was.

He looked at Yang Guang and continued, "This time, in the mission world, I plan to hunt some demons to obtain their blood essence. Are you strong enough to protect me?"

"Yes, absolutely. With me here, you’ll surely reap a bountiful harvest!" Yang Guang promised, patting his chest.

Demon blood essence could enhance strength, but each person could only absorb a limited amount.

Even with a Blood Purification Pill, excessive consumption was not possible.

Yang Guang believed that with Qi Yuan's strength, hunting a Jade Blood Realm initial stage demon would yield more than enough blood essence.

"That's good to hear. I appreciate your help, Yang Guang." Qi Yuan smiled happily.

This time, entering the game with a hitman meant he could slack off.

Yang Guang nodded, brimming with confidence.

It seemed that this time, the Genius Alliance entry token would be his. The only one he needed to be wary of was Zhou Yuan.

He might make a move in secret.

After a few more exchanges, the cloud beneath them flashed with light.

The nearly twenty people present finally arrived in the mission world.

...

The Tong family, located in the center of Zhenyang City, was a well-known noble clan.

The late Master Tong had served in the Secretariat as a Grand Secretary of the Third Rank, a high-ranking and powerful position.

However, after Master Tong retired, his political legacy remained unused, and the north descended into chaos.

Countless noble families and clans migrated south.

Zhenyang City, located at a strategic position, had Mount Shu Yao to the front.

This mountain was treacherous and unsuitable for large-scale migration.

More importantly, Mount Shu Yao was filled with demons, and among them was a demon hero.

This demon hero was ambitious, uniting the three thousand demons of Mount Shu Yao, forming a demon village and training demon soldiers.

Zhenyang, Hengyang, and Qishui cities were all besieged by Mount Shu Yao.

The grandson of the Tong family had been captured by demons from Mount Shu Yao.

At this time, outside the Tong family estate, Qi Yuan was wearing the uniform of the Demon Subduing Division, yawning.

Yang Guang took out a token, looked at the trembling inn servant ahead, and spoke with authority, "Where is Tong Youwei? What year did he die?"

Entering the mission world, Yang Guang decided to start by questioning the locals about the Tong family, then proceed into the Tong estate.

The inn servant was an old man, hunched over, barely standing at 1.5 meters. "Reporting to the officer, Master Tong Youwei died three years ago, died suddenly in the Tong family courtyard.
It's said he died a tragic death, his entire heart was dug out. It was said to be a demon disaster, truly a sin!"

Mentioning demons, the inn servant's eyes were filled with resentment, as if demons had devoured his family.

"Heart dug out?" Yang Guang frowned.

The inn servant continued, "Poor Master Tong and Madam Tong, they had only one heir for seven generations.
The day Master Tong died, Madam Tong’s hair turned white overnight, she aged over ten years."

"Did the Tong family investigate what demon was responsible?" Yang Guang asked.

"The Tong family didn’t dare investigate. Even if they did, what could they do, go demand answers from Mount Shu Yao?" The inn servant shook his head, his aged face showing regret.

Yang Guang squinted, contemplating something.

Then Qi Yuan spoke, "Let’s go, see if we can find any clues at the Tong estate."

Yang Guang nodded.

An Qiao, holding the tracking dog, headed towards the Tong estate as well.

At this time, quite a few of Qi Yuan’s companions had already entered the Tong estate.

Thus, when the three of them and a dog arrived, they encountered no obstacles.

Welcoming them was an old steward from the Tong estate.

"The grandson was captured by demons, and the old master is worried sick, bedridden and unable to see guests. Please understand." The steward was old, moving with difficulty.

"Where did Tong Youwei live? Take us there." Qi Yuan glanced around the Tong estate and asked casually.

This mission involved finding Tong Tianyou and investigating the true cause of Tong Youwei's death.

Tong Tianyou was captured by demons; to find him, they just needed to head to Mount Shu Yao.

But finding the truth behind Tong Youwei’s death required investigation.

"Well... after the young master passed away, his house caught fire and burned down, nothing was left." The steward replied.

"What about his wife?" Qi Yuan asked again.

"She died in childbirth... gave birth to the young master," the steward answered with a sigh.

"There's a rumor outside that Tong Youwei was killed by demons. What kind of demon?" Yang Guang inquired.

The steward quickly shook his head, "I don't know about that. The county magistrate also sent people to investigate but found nothing, just said it was the work of demons."

"Where is your young master buried?" Yang Guang asked again.

“We can’t inspect the body, can we?” The steward had a conflicted look. “Several officers before you had the same thought, but you might be disappointed.
After the young master was buried, a demon disaster occurred in the graveyard, and the young master’s body... was stolen."

“What?” An Qiao exclaimed in surprise.

“This is very strange!” Yang Guang squinted, pondering.

Tong Youwei’s death was definitely not simple.

His residence burned, and his body was stolen.

If one coincidence was acceptable, a series of them was not. It indicated that someone was hiding something behind the scenes.

“What do you think, Brother Qi?” Yang Guang looked at Qi Yuan.

“Based on my years of watching TV, usually when a body is missing, it means faked death!” Qi Yuan replied seriously.

That’s how they always portrayed it on TV.

There was also the trope of pushing the enemy off a cliff, stabbing through the heart... and yet the enemy survives.

That’s why when Qi Yuan killed someone, he made sure to crush the bones to dust, witnessing their death with his own eyes.

"But the game setting says he’s dead, so let’s assume he is," Qi Yuan didn’t want to argue with the game designers about the plot.

Yang Guang couldn’t help but smile, agreeing with Qi Yuan’s assessment. He continued questioning the steward, "Did Tong Youwei have any enemies in Zhenyang City?"

“The young master was kind and never held grudges, rarely left home, and had no enemies!” The steward confirmed.

Hmm, a kind-hearted shut-in.

Indeed... no enemies.

After all, there was no internet here for online arguments.

“What was the relationship like between Tong Youwei and your old master?” At this point, Qi Yuan asked suddenly.

"The old master and madam were very fond of the young master. When he fell ill with a fever and fell unconscious, the madam personally went to Wanshan Temple to request holy water, taking one step at a time up seven hundred and sixty-two steps, finally convincing the holy monk to help heal the young master.
This matter is well known throughout the north.
In Zhenyang City, ask anyone, they all know our master and madam cherished the young master greatly, wishing they could bring down the sun from the sky for him." The steward said, his expression melancholic, "Since the young master passed, the old master and madam’s health has worsened day by day.
If it weren't for the young master, they might not have survived... Sigh.
This time, if the young master doesn't come back, the Tong family line... will end.
Please, officers, bring the young master back safely!"

The steward seemed to empathize with the old master, his eyes wet with tears.

At this moment, Yang Guang transmitted, "Is what the steward said trustworthy?"

"Hmm... the words are true, but whether anything was omitted is another matter," Qi Yuan replied truthfully.

The steward’s nose hadn’t grown when he spoke earlier, meaning he wasn’t lying.

"So, what do we do now?" Yang Guang asked.

"Let’s go see their old master." Qi Yuan replied.

After all, as the head of the Tong family, the old master would know the most.

And since Qi Yuan could tell if someone was lying, he wasn't afraid of the old master deceiving him.

Even though everyone said Tong Youwei was killed by demons, it could also be possible... that the old master was behind it.

After all, anything was possible.

However, just as they were about to follow the steward to the old master's quarters, they heard a rough voice.

“You little brat, how dare you meddle in my affairs?
We, from the Demon Subduing Division, are here to investigate the Tong family.
A mere county magistrate wants to see me; he should come in person to invite me!”

After saying this, the person kicked out, sending a young bailiff, who looked quite tender, flying.

The young bailiff lay on the ground, clutching his stomach, his face filled with pain, but he didn’t dare to say anything back.

"This bailiff looks quite young, doesn’t seem older than fourteen. For someone to hit him this hard, that’s just despicable!" An Qiao couldn’t help but say.

Yang Guang also frowned, quickly rushing over to help the child-like bailiff up.

He was still a warm-hearted person.

Yang Guang looked at the person who had struck out, his gaze unfriendly, "Although we are on a mission, these people are still living beings!"

The person who had struck saw Yang Guang, evidently wary of Yang Guang's strength, and immediately bowed his head, saying, "That was my mistake!"

In the Yellow Springs World, strength was everything.

He didn’t dare offend Yang Guang and had no problem admitting his mistake.

At this moment, not far away, Qi Yuan looked at Yang Guang’s head, with sunlight pouring down, and couldn’t help but say, “His bald head is really shiny.”